Burke has fewer than 1,000 residents. At that size one or two incidents swing the numbers so much that a grade wouldn't be fair, so we show the counts instead.

Violent0

Property1

Reported in 20251

FBI crime data, 2025 · crimes reported to policeCrime & safety →

Work & commute in Burke

Full picture →

About one in 4 of Burke’s working residents works in town. The top destinations are Gregory (10%), Sioux Falls (7%) and Bonesteel (5%). Half commute less than 17 miles.

Gregory

10%

Sioux Falls

Bonesteel

Brookings

26%Work in townlive and work in Burke 17 miWhere do people commute?the commute map 390Jobs based herea job hub

Census LEHD 2023 · ACSWork & commute in Burke →

Health in Burke

Compared with South Dakota

4better than SD·10worse

of 26 measures CDC estimates. The other 12 are too close to call.

Conditions 8▼ 4 close Habits 1▲ 3 close Care 3▲ 1▼ 3 close Mind 1▼ 2 close

BetterToo close to callWorse

What stands out

14.8%Fewer binge drinkersSD 18.8% · better 82.4%More adults treating high blood pressureSD 75.9% · better 5.2%More adults who have had a strokeSD 3.5% · worse

Care nearby

Community Memorial HospitalBurke · 0.1 mi · ER · rural critical access

Access Health - ChamberlainChamberlain · 42.4 mi · sliding-scale fees

Primary careNo shortage

DentalShortage · county-wide

Mental healthShortage · county-wide

CDC PLACES 2025 · modeled estimates for adults · CDC's estimate for Burke · CMS · HRSAHealth in Burke →

Natural hazards in Burke

Moderate

Expected storm and flood damage is higher than in 43% of U.S. communities.

🥶 Cold waves🌊 Inland flooding🌪️ Tornadoes

0Does Burke flood?no paid flood claims on record NoneDisasters that paid out hereof 19 declared for Gregory County

FEMA National Risk Index December 2025 · OpenFEMANatural hazards in Burke →

Climate in Burke

Full climate →

Burke has cold, snowy winters and warm summers. A typical July afternoon reaches 87°, a January night drops to 12°, and about 45 inches of snow falls in a normal winter.

34° / 14°Winter

58° / 34°Spring

83° / 59°Summer

61° / 37°Fall

How much snow does Burke get?About 45 inches a winter.Rain & snow →When is the first frost?Around Oct 3, with the last in spring around May 6.Frost dates →Is it warmer than it used to be?+1.1° vs. the 20th century.Then & now →

NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020Climate in Burke →

Schools in Burke

All Burke schools →

School Grade B

The public schools Burke’s kids attend outperform 60% of South Dakota’s districts on state tests. Among towns with similar incomes, they sit near the middle.

DistrictBurke School District 26-2Schools4

Burke Elementary - 02 B+Elementary · Grades PK–5 · 105 students Burke Middle School - 04 C+Middle · Grades 6–8 · 62 students Burke High School - 01 B-High · Grades 9–12 · 94 students Whole Grade Sharing with Burke - 04High · Grades 6–12

School data from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES, EDFacts). The School Grade is our own summary of state test results, graded within SD. Ratings are from neighbors.